Thing 20- Webinar

under construction

Online Meeting Tools
There are many online meeting tools being used today. Check out the list of Software and service providers that is part of this Wikipedia article. Right now, two popular tools being used OPAL and Wimba. I will talk about them in more depth later in this lesson. You may also have heard of ELMeR, which is a videoconferencing system. ELMeR videoconferencing is somewhat different than the web conferencing we are talking about in this lesson, but if you want to learn more, there is information online.

If you are simply participating in an online meeting or webinar, then you just need to follow the directions sent to you by the organizer of the session. If you want to organize online meetings or webinars, then you will need to explore the various software options that are available to you — to find the one that suits your needs and is within your budget. This lesson will focus on participating in online meetings or webinars. Selecting software is beyond the scope of the lesson, but there are useful resources online.

Different online meeting or webinar platforms offer different features. Most allow you to see a speaker’s PowerPoint slides. Many allow you to see websites to which the speaker is referring. Text chat is also an important component of many online meeting software tools. Some tools even allow you to use video to see the participants in other places. One of my favorite things about online meetings, however, is the ability to record them so they can be viewed later. Missed a presentation or an online training session you were wanting to attend? No problem! Most likely the presenters were able to record it and will make that recording available.

Let’s explore a few previously recorded sessions.

Watching archived sessions gives you a feel for the learning potential this technology holds. Participating in a live session provides opportunities for interaction (with other participants and with the speakers), but archived sessions provide time flexibility that is hard to beat.

As stated earlier in this lesson, Wimba and OPAL are two popular online meeting/webinar tools. Every time you sign-up for or are invited to participate in a webinar, the organizer will provide instructions. I would never advocate memorizing how to use one particular tool. Just be flexible and ready to receive the directions that accompany any particular online meeting or webinar.

WIMBA
Sample set of instructions for a Wimba session.
Last fall, the State Library of Kansas facilitated an online creativity group using Wimba. Here’s an abridged version of the email sent out, promoting the session. I really just want you to note the Wimba instructions.

Brenda Hough will lead our first Kansas Creativity webinar tomorrow at....
You'll find instructions for joining our conversation at the end of this message.Webinar instructions:
What you will need:
* A headset with microphone (preferred) or speakers and a stand alone microphone
* An Internet connectionTo get ready and login
1. Go to http://webj.wimba.com/launcher.cgi?room=ks_adastra
2. Minimize the pop-up box and click on "run the Setup Wizard" in the right hand box to run the Wizard.
3. After you click the "Finished" button, maximize the login pop-up window and you should see
"ks_adastra" as the room i.d.
4. Enter your name in the "Name box" then click on the orange "Enter" button.
5. It will take a minute or 2 to get into the room and get everything loaded. When you hear the
tones, you are ready to go.
6. If you need help:
Please call C Hickey by 12:50 PM at xxx-xxxx.

Anytime you participate in a webinar, you will receive detailed instructions like that. If you want even more detailed instructions for using Wimba, a participant guide is available.
One tip: sign-in to online webinars at least 10 or 15 minutes early so you have time to troubleshoot if needed.
Another tip: Just as the best way to troubleshoot a computer is to restart it, the best way to troubleshoot problems with a webinar are to sign out and sign back in.
Final tip: Mel Brooks said, “Hope for the best. Expect the worst.” With online meetings and webinars, there are almost always problems (usually minor). Sound issues. Internet troubles. Etc. Being mentally prepared for that somehow makes it a bit less frustrating. And then, when the technology works and you’re able to participate in a great session, it’s all worth it.